OREM, Utah — Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles extolled the virtues and influence of good friends and leaders, using examples from scripture, early Church history, and personal experience during a standing-room-only devotion Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Utah Valley Institute in Orem, Utah.
“Tonight, I advise you: Build loving friendships and find wise and faithful leaders,” he called.
Elder Rasband named Jesus Christ as “our dearest friend,” and said, “Jesus Christ is our example in friendship, as in other principles of the gospel.”
“In many cases, those ‘angels around us’ (D&C 84:88) are our friends who, like you, have chosen to live a Christlike life of love, kindness, loyalty, trust, and faithfulness. In the process, they are helping to build God’s kingdom on earth. As lofty as it sounds, friendship is essentially a higher calling.”
The devotional attracted more than 4,500 participants, filling the multi-story Institute building’s main chapel, cultural hall, second chapel, overflow areas, classrooms, recreation rooms, and spilling out into the hallways. Utah Valley Institute, located on the campus of Utah Valley University, has the church’s largest enrollment in the world.
“Tests conducted differently than other campuses”
Before beginning his message, Elder Rasband acknowledged the resilience of students and the university after the shooting of Charlie Kirk on campus on September 10th.
“You are being tested unlike any other campus because the shooter traumatized the peace and purpose of the university,” he said, citing the First Presidency’s Sept. 12 statement that condemned violence and called for peace, kindness and love.
“At a time when the nation needed your strength, your courage, you were a ‘light shining in the darkness’ (D&C 88:49). It did not go unnoticed. You peacefully reflected the light and love that Jesus Christ has for all of His children. Thank you, everyone, for being disciples of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Elder Rasband was accompanied by his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband, who was invited several times to comment on her husband’s anecdotes. Elder Clark G. Gilbert, a General Authority Seventy and Commissioner of Church Education, and his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert, also attended. and Brother Chad H. Webb, administrator of seminaries and religious institutes and first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency.
true friendship
Elder Rasband warned that in today’s world, “too many people are willing to exchange friendships for video characters or simple text messages. They spend their time identifying with television personalities who are just faces on a screen. They choose to ‘hang out’ rather than form deep, meaningful relationships that will be sealed in a temple forever. . . . True friendship is based on a love of God and sharing that love with others.”
Elder Rasband said the scriptures are full of examples of men and women who served as righteous leaders. “First and foremost is Jesus Christ, and always will be.”
He also pointed to Joseph Smith’s instruction by a heavenly visitor and the prophet’s instruction to his companions.
“Who coached you?”
“Who guided you? Who watched over you? Who helped you love as the Lord loves?” Elder Rasband asked.
He spoke of late leaders, including President Thomas S. Monson and businessman and philanthropist Jon M. Huntsman. Huntsman hired and mentored the young Ronald A. Rasband as a sales representative, and the latter became president and chief operating officer of Huntsman Chemical Corporation.
Elder Rasband called parents, grandparents, and in-laws “perhaps your ultimate earthly leaders,” and encouraged the audience to include ward and stake leaders, professors and institute teachers, and trusted friends and colleagues. “Make the most of their ideas and let their influence inspire and bless your life,” he said, adding, “Being and having good friends will help you endure the evils of our time.”
He also warned, “Sometimes we are hesitant to take advice or feel repulsed by what someone suggests. We think we already know what we need to know, but frankly, our pride gets in the way. When we do that, we end up missing out on the wisdom, information, and experience to celebrate our lives.”
Elder Rasband proclaimed an Apostolic Blessing to the audience, saying they would “follow the Lord’s example…and illuminate the world with your friendship, your goodness, your desire to live the Gospel, and your warm and willing hearts. I bless you to love as the Lord loves, to repent daily, and to be lifted up in His mighty Atonement.”
“I bless you as you become greater disciples of Jesus Christ, serving Him, obeying His commandments, and knowing Him as your Savior, Teacher, and Friend.”
“The only real gift at Christmas”
Elder Rasband, who began his message in the “Light the World” Christmas video shown in Times Square last year, said, “The only true gift of Christmas comes from our Heavenly Father. He sent His beloved Son to take us home, to Him for eternity.”
And in return, the apostle said, we give our hearts to the Savior: dedication, obedience, trust, and giving our lives to Him.
In addition to congregational hymns during the devotion, Christmas music was provided by the Utah Valley Institute Singers and the Utah Valley Institute Orchestra, which Elder Rasband invited for an encore performance after the devotion.
